GSK and Galapagos signed the arthritis alliance in June 2006 for the discovery and development of disease-modifying drugs for GSK’s global R&D organization.
In the trial, GLPG0555 was well tolerated and demonstrated no changes in vital signs and laboratory parameters for dosing up to 14 consecutive days in healthy volunteers.
The second candidate drug, which inhibits kinase target GT623, has demonstrated positive activity and safety in biochemical and animal models, and has completed pre-clinical development.
Galapagos CEO Onno van de Stolpe said that they are pleased to report progress on candidate drugs in their arthritis alliance with GSK.
"Today’s announcement increases our clinical rheumatoid arthritis portfolio to four candidate drugs, with a balanced risk profile of known and novel modes of action," Stolpe said.